A cosy weekend getaway is one of the best ways to shake off the winter blues and embrace the magic of the season. Lucky for us, one of the state’s most charming cold-weather destinations is right on Sydney’s doorstep. Perched on the crisp, elevated plains of the Southern Highlands, Berrima offers a remarkably intact piece of early colonial Australia just a stone’s throw from the city. Widely recognised as the nation’s finest surviving example of an 1830s Georgian village, the town shines brighest in the cooler months with sandstone buildings, old inns, quaint shops, heritage pubs, open fireplaces and an old-world atmosphere that is best explored on foot. With fewer crowds, better prices and plenty to see and do, it’s especially well-suited for an easy winter escape. Here’s what to see, eat, and do for an action-packed winter getaway to Berrima.
Things to see and do in Berrima this winter
Despite being one of the most famous towns in the Southern Highlands, Berrima feels intimate and unhurried in winter and the best way to experience it is simply by walking through it. Start with the Berrima Heritage Walk, a short self-guided route that threads past the village’s key landmarks, including the Berrima Courthouse and historic inns, before looping back through its charming main street.
The town holds the title of Australia’s best-preserved Georgian village for a very specific historical reason: the main railway line completely bypassed Berrima in the 1860s. This layout froze the town’s early colonial architecture in time, sparing its historic buildings from modern development and changes. On your walk, you will pass the Surveyor General Inn, which was built by convicts in 1834, and is largely touted as Australia’s oldest continuously licensed hotel. Just a short walk up the hill sits Harper’s Mansion, a grand 1834 residence featuring cold-climate heritage gardens and a traditional hedge maze.
From there, transition into the crisp winter air down by the water along the Berrima River Walk. This gentle, scenic 1.8-kilometre track loops along the banks of the Wingecarribee River with bridges, huts and gardens. Along the river bank, you can spot the stone terraces built by German merchant sailors who were interned here during World War I.
If you want to trade the streets for a nature fix, a short 25-minute drive will bring you to Morton National Park. Fitzroy Falls are particularly spectacular during the cooler months, cloaked in a dramatic, moody valley mist, with a wheelchair-accessible boardwalk and scenic walking trails to explore.
On your way back to town, make a final stop at Bendooley Estate to visit the Berkelouw Book Barn. It works perfectly as a winter sanctuary, allowing you to spend the afternoon browsing thousands of new, secondhand, and rare titles in a cosy converted hayshed.
Where to eat and drink
Berrima has a strong food scene for its size, with a handful of reliable cafes, bakeries and restaurants worth visiting. Start your morning at the Berrima General Store and Cafe for excellent coffee and a hearty breakfast, or head to Baked in Berrima for artisan pastries and local pies. For a long, relaxed lunch, secure a fireside table at The Cottage Cafe and Restaurant, which serves seasonal regional dishes inside a historic weatherboard cottage. In the heart of the village, Eschalot offers a more refined, seasonal menu in a cottage-style setting, making it a popular option. Other local favourites include Josh’s Cafe for quality coffee, The Cupcake Co. for delicious scones and hot chocolate and Leo’s by Night for an initimate dining experience and cocktails.
Where to shop
Shopping lovers will find a delightful mix of independent, quaint storefronts around town. Drop into Mrs Oldbucks Pantry to stock up on loose-leaf teas, regional honey, and homemade winter jams. Just down the road, The Lolly Swagman is a local staple packed with nostalgic sweets and great handmade fudge. For winter layers, Berrima’s Overflow specialises in knitwear made from Australian merino wool and natural fibers. Finish your loop at the Australian Alpaca Barn, which stocks incredibly soft, locally made throws, scarves, and coats built to handle the Highlands chill. Meanwhile, Berrima Schoolyard Market offers 40+ stalls stacked with fresh produce, food, coffee, and more. Read more about Berrima and find accommodation options here.
Getting there
Berrima is a short 1.5-hour drive from Sydney via the M5 and Hume Motorway. If you’re travelling by public transport, catch a train from Sydney to Moss Vale, then transfer to a local bus or taxi for the final 10-minute stretch into town. If you have time to spare, nearby towns like Bowral and Mittagong are both a short drive away and can be easily added to the same trip. Plan your travels on Transport for NSW.
